Stories are one of the most common ways to share daily updates with friends and followers. In fact, stories are one of the few features found in almost every social media platform in the world. Like most other prominent platforms, Instagram is no exception when it comes to stories. Stories are one of many features people use Instagram for, and it is not without reason. Unlike posts and reels that anyone can see anytime, stories represent a more personal way to share, so only those who follow you regularly can know what you were up to the other day.
While other methods can seem more mainstream, stories are like the bonus only the closest followers can get. What’s more, you can easily see who sees your Instagram story. So, you can spot people who see your stories regularly.
However, many users have lately been asking the same question that concerns story viewership: “Can you tell if a private account views your public story on Instagram?”
If you are one of such users, your search for an answer ends here. If you are confused about whether private accounts can anonymously view public stories, go through the following sections to get your questions answered.
Who can view your Instagram story?
First off, let’s begin by discussing a bit about story visibility on Instagram. The platform clearly states and depicts who can view a user’s stories. The answer relies on the type of account a user has.
If a private account uploads a story, no one can view the story except those who follow the account. In other words, if you share a story from your private account, only your followers can see it.
On the other hand, if a public account shares a story, it is available for viewing to everyone. So, if you share a story from your public account, anyone can view it except those you hide your stories from.
As you can see, who can see your stories depends on the privacy settings of your account. If you need to include or exclude people in or from your story viewership, you can do that from Story Settings.
Can you tell if private account views your public Instagram story?
We have discussed who can view your story. Now, it’s time to answer who appears in the list of your story viewers.
Well, the answer is as simple as it can get. If a person views your story, you can see that they viewed your story. Everyone who views your story appears in the list of story viewers. By everyone, we mean both private and public accounts.
So, can you tell if a private account views your public Instagram story? Of course, you can! It’s your story. You have the right to see who views your story. It doesn’t matter if a person has a private or public account. You get to see their name if they view your story.
How to Stop Someone from Viewing Your Instagram Story
If you don’t want a user to view your story on Instagram, you have the option to hide your stories from them. Hiding your story from one or more users is pretty easy; you just need to change the privacy settings of your stories.
Follow these steps to prevent someone from viewing your stories on Instagram:
Step 1: Open the app and log into your Instagram account.
Step 2: Go to your profile page by tapping on the profile picture in the lower-right corner.
Step 3: Tap on the three lines at the top-right corner of the profile screen.
Step 4: From the list of options that appears, select Settings. Then, tap on Privacy.
Step 5: You will find a list of several options on the privacy page. Tap on Story to view the privacy settings of your stories.
Step 6: On this page, you can choose to hide your story from specific users. Tap on the number just below the subhead Hide story from.
Step 7: A list of Instagram accounts will appear. You can select a user from this list or search for them using the search bar at the top.
To choose a user, you just need to check the box next to their name. Go back, and the changes will be saved.
Can you see who saw your story after it disappeared?
Stories remain online on your profile for twenty-four hours. Your followers can see your story if you have a private account during this time. If you have a public account, anyone can view your story.
In each case, you can see who has viewed your story. What’s more, you can see who saw your story even after it has disappeared. Story views remain visible for up to 24 hours after it disappears or 48 hours after it is posted.
Stories are saved in the Archive section of your account, and you can easily see them by following the steps given below:
Step 1: Open the app and go to your profile section.
Step 2: Tap on the three lines at the top-right corner. A list of options will pop up. Select Archive.
Step 3: Tap on the story you want to see, and swipe up across the story to see who has viewed it.
This way, you can see your story viewers even after the story has disappeared.
In the end
Your Instagram stories can be viewed by anyone if you have a public account and your followers if your account is private. Anyone can view your story irrespective of whether they have a public or private account.
If someone views your story, you can always know that by looking at your story’s viewers. Therefore, you can tell if a private account views your public story on Instagram.
This blog revolved around Instagram stories and related features. Did you find it helpful? If yes, share it with your friends. If not, tell us what went wrong; we are happy to listen and improve.
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